History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 51

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Publication date: 1922
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1767

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 51

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was born May, 1886, married Carrie Clemenson, and farms at Sand Creek. George C. was born in Sand Creek in 1887, and is a farmer at Rice Lake. Elmer C. was born in Sand Creek in 1888, married Hattie Cluge, and lives in Rice Lake. Alvin was born in Sand Creek in 1890 and died at the age of 21 years and 9 months. Moses T. was born July, 1892, and lives on a homestead in Canada. Gertrude was born Feb. 12, 1895, and lives at home. Helen was born Oct. 29, 1897, married Leonard Tieson, and lives at Sand Creek. All have done well and are well thought of in their respective communities.

Kenneth N. Macleod, a hero of the World War, who gave his life in the cause of human liberty, was born in Rice Lake July 11, 1897, son of George and Flora D. (Lee) Macleod. He was educated in the graded and high schools of Rice Lake, and was but seventeen years of age when he enlisted in Co. A, belonging to a regiment of the Wisconsin National Guard. With this company he saw service on the Mexican border. Then, after but a brief respite, he was called to service with the company to guard bridges and docks at Superior, Wis. When the United States entered the World War he gladly took the required federal oath, and in time was assigned as corporal to the 121st Machine Gun Battalion. He sailed for France Feb. 18, 1918, saw action in a defensive sector of the Aisne-Marne region, was wounded and gassed while showing heroic conduct on Aug. 4, 1918, and died Oct. 17, 1918. As a boy he was alert, bright, active and affectionate. As a young man he was genial and straightforward. As a soldier he was faithful to every duty, and a general favorite with his comrades. His name will forever be cherished on the roll of his country's heroes.

Herbert N. Melgard, a well-to-do citizen who resides in his pleasant home in Rice Lake City, while looking after his prosperous farm in the rural districts, has made a success in life, and being yet a young man, his friends predict for him a still more successful future. He brought to the farming industry the trained mind of a business expert, and his agricultural operations are con- ducted along strictly business lines. He was born in Cashton, Wis., June 3, 1890, son of Olaf and Amelia (Larson) Melgard, the former a native of Wis- consin, and the latter a native of Norway, who came to America at the age of seventeen. After their marriage the parents lived in Cashton, Wis., where the father was engaged in the monument business until his death March 26, 1914, the mother still continuing to live in that city. In the family there were nine children : Eilart C., Carl A., Herbert N., Oscar, Rose, Nina, Anna, Isa and Howard. Herbert N. received his early education in the public schools of his native place, learned the monument business with his father, and carried it on at Cashton and Sparta, Wis., until 1914. In that year he came to Barron County and bought 240 acres of land in Barron Township. This was a well improved place but he continued the improvements in various ways. After two years he rented this farm for four years and moved to Rice Lake. March 1, 1920, he bought 160 acres one mile from Brill, in Oak Grove Township. He has con- tinued to operated this farm, but in 1920 he moved again to Rice Lake and purchased his present home at 24 West Knapp Street. This home he remodelled to suit his purpose, one of the features being a pleasant sun parlor. He is much interested in the science of modern farming, and makes a specialty of dairying, having a good herd of Guernsey cattle. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and he also belongs to the Commercial Club. Mr. Melgard is fond of outdoor sports and takes especial pleasure in hunting and fishing. Mr. Melgard was married Nov. 26, 1912, to Alfreda Swarthout, who was born in Sparta, Wis., April 9, 1892, daughter of Frank W. and Cora (Fobes) Swarthout, natives of Wisconsin, of Holland descent, the former of whom died April 19, 1900, and the latter Oct. 11, 1907. In the family there were three children : Alfreda, Wyllis and Willis. Mr. and Mrs. Melgard have two children : Nordal, born March 3, 1914, and Frank Lynn, born Feb. 3, 1917. The family attends the Episcopal and Lutheran churches. Mrs. Melgard is a lady of many accomplishments. She received her early training in the public schools of

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KENNETH N. MacLEOD

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Sparta, then attended the Grafton high school at Fond du Lac, this state; and then took a three years' course at the Downer School at Milwaukee.

George Macleod, now deceased, was one whose career was inseparably interwoven in the warp and woof of Barron County's agricultural, business, social and political life, for nearly half a century. He had an active mind, enthusiastic in everything he undertook, he was a shrewd business man, honest in all his dealings, and he was a good citizen. In his home he was an ideal family man, and reared a group of children who now enjoy a most excellent standing throughout the community. Mr. Macleod was born June 19, 1847, in Maine, and was there educated. As a youth, he went to St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, and there remained for several years. He came to Chicago in 1866, and the following year went to Muskegon, Mich., where he was a lumber grader for a while, after which he engaged in the firestone and cement block business. In the same line he came to Wisconsin in 1869 and located at Eau Claire, where he later took up the roofing business. He came to Barron County in 1873 and filed on a claim of 160 acres in Cedar Lake Township. Of this he cleared 80 acres, erected a set of buildings, acquired suitable equipment, and carried on general farming some fifteen years. For a time he was a general contractor. Next he became manager of the Moore Elevator at Rice Lake, then manager in the north woods for the Upham Lumber Co. of Marshfield, then in the flour and feed business at Rice Lake, and then salesman for the Nelson Brothers Co., monument workers, Rice Lake. He died Sept. 23, 1910. He was an enterprising man, always ready to assist the public good, and did much work for the county's progress. His fraternal relations were with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen. Along every path in life to which fate led him, he walked worthily, and his memory will long be cherished in the hearts of all who knew him. Mr. Macleod was mar- ried to Flora D. Lee, who was born in Clinton, Ill., the daughter of Nelson and Felecia (Jones) Lee, natives respectively of Wisconsin and Mississippi. The father was several years sheriff of Biloxi County, Mississippi, and later moved to Chicago, where he died. The mother now makes her home with her daugh- ter, and has reached the good old age of ninety years. Mr. and Mrs. Mac- Leod were the parents of twelve children: Edith, Lulu, George, Joseph and Ollis, are living; Kenneth N. died in service during the Great War, and six died in childhood of diphtheria, within a few days of each other. Edith is now Mrs. F. E. Bailey, of Rice Lake; Lulu is Mrs. Benjamin Schrump, of Montana; George is a lumberman and stock farmer at Santa, Idaho; Joseph is manager of an insurance company at Duluth, Minn .; Ollis is the wife of Ole Flaten, of Montana. Mrs. Macleod is active in women's work, and is prominent in the W. C. T. U. and the W. R. C. as well as in the Auxiliary to the Edgar Eubanks Post, American Legion. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian church.

Carl F. W. Rovie, of Cumberland, now connected with the milling industry, and for many years identified with the lumbering activities of this region, was born in Germany Aug. 7, 1869, son of Rudolph and Minnie (Denhoff) Rovie, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1872, and settled in Me- nomonie, Wis., where the father worked in a flour mill for Knapp, Stout & Co., until 1889, when they went to Snohomish, Washington, where the father died Nov. 3, 1913, after which the mother returned to Menomonie, where she now resides. In the family there were four children: Carl F. W., Minnie, Martha and William. Carl F. W. lives in Cumberland. Minnie is the wife of Mr. Knight, of Washington. Martha is the wife of L. A. Burdick, of Minne- apolis. William lives in Everett, Wash. The subject of this sketch was reared in Menomonie and attended school until he was thirteen. Then he started working for Knapp, Stout & Co. in their shingle mill. In 1889 he came to Cum- berland and was similarly employed with the Beaver Dam Lumber Co. Five years later, in 1894, he started work in the heading mill for D. H. Keyes. He entered his present employ with the Cumberland Milling Co. in 1899, and has since continued to give that company faithful service. He has lived in the

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city more than thirty years, he has watched its growth and progress, and as a good citizen has taken his part in every forward move. He owns a pleasant home on Mont Street. The Old Settlers' Association has found in him an active member and enthusiastic supporter. Mr. Rovie was married June 15, 1892, to Mary Lovaas, who was born in Norway Jan. 24, 1873, daughter of O. C. and Carrie (Nordby) Lovaas. Mrs. Lovaas died March 3, 1917, and Mr. Lovaas now makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. John Engesether, of Cum- berland. Mr. and Mrs. Rovie have four children: Ralph was born Feb. 6, 1893, and lives in St. Paul. Edna was born Dec. 18, 1894, and is the wife of Harry Lutes, of Cumberland. Hazel was born July 25, 1900, and is now in St. Paul. Margaret was born Feb. 2, 1904, and is attending the Cumberland high school. In the family there is also an adopted child, Helen, a bright little girl born Oct. 16, 1919. The family faith is that of St. Paul's Lutheran church.

Friend F. Peck, early hotel keeper of Cumberland, was born in New York State, and settled in Fond du Lac County, this state, in an early day. From there he came to St. Croix County, in the sixties, and settled on a farm near Hammond. This was all wild land. He cleared and developed the place and for many years successfully carried on general farming. He came to Cumber- land in 1881, and managed the Cumberland Hotel for a year. Then he bought the Commercial Hotel, which he operated for two years. But though he made a success of this he decided that he liked agricultural life better, so he sold out, and returned to the farm. He died in 1896. His wife, who was Sadie Campbell, also a native of New York State, died in 1917. In the family there were four children, all living. Clara is the widow of William Conrad, of Rice Lake. Bonepart lives in Michigan City, Indiana. Guy is a successful dentist at Durand, Wis. Fred B. is a Cumberland business man.

Fred B. Peck, Cumberland business man, was born near Hammond, St. Croix County, Wis., Jan. 14, 1869, son of Friend F. and Sarah (Campbell) Peck. He was reared to farm pursuits, and attended school near Hammond and at Durand and Cumberland. In 1889 he went to New Richmond and learned the barber trade, which he followed there for two years. He came to Cumber- land in 1891 and opened a shop which he still conducts. He is a conscientious workman and is liked by all who know him. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Modern Woodmen, and was affiliated with the Odd Fellows until the Cumberland lodge surrendered its charter. He was married at Cumberland, Nov. 9, 1901, to Sarah West, daughter of Jacob and Mary West, who settled in Turtle Lake Township, this county, came from there to Cumberland, and now live in Superior. Mr. and Mrs. Peck have had six children: Friend (deceased), Marie, Joseph, Fred B., Jr., George and Lee.

Frank Anderson, Jr., business man of Cumberland, was born in Grand Rapids (now Wisconsin Rapids), Wis., April 12, 1879, the son of Frank and Jennie (Bergstein) Anderson, natives of Sweden, who came to Wisconsin in 1860, and settled in Grand Rapids, where the father worked at logging and lumbering. They came to Cumberland in 1879 and kept a railroad boarding camp. Later the father engaged in lumbering, and still later opened a meat market. He still lives in Cumberland, and his wife died in 1919. In the family there were nine children. Lila is the wife of George M. Irwin, of Cumberland; Frank, Jr., is a business man of Cumberland; Cemelia is the wife of John Oppadahl, of Minneapolis; John is a real estate man of Minneapolis; Jennie is the wife of Frank Bayless, of Fond du Lac, Wis .; Carl is in Florida; Ray is in Minneapolis. Homer was one of the nation's heroes who lost his life in the sinking of the Tuscabia. Dora is also dead. Frank, Jr., was brought to Cumberland as an infant and was here reared and educated. As a youth he worked in his father's market. In 1899 he started a livery business which he still operates. In 1921 he became interested in the Island City Land Co., the local branch of the well-known Wallace Land Co. He is an energetic man who has the best interests of the city at heart and is well liked throughout the community.

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Carl J. Anderson, one of the most active and useful of the early settlers of Cumberland Township, was born in Sweden Aug. 6, 1853, the son of Anders and Louisa (Carlson) Jacobson, natives of that country, who came to America in 1888 and spent the remainder of their lives with Carl J., the father dying in 1917 and the mother in 1907. The children in the family were: Bridget and Louisa, still in Norway, where the family moved in 1867; Jacob, deceased, and Carl J. Carl J. was reared in Sweden, did a little farm work, and worked in the woods with his father. He came to America in 1881 and found his way to Cumberland, where he arrived September 5. For a short time he worked in the mill for Anderson & Benson, and then, as the result of his experience in Norway, secured work as manager of one of the Knapp, Stout & Co. lumber yards. In the fall of 1882 he bought 80 acres of land in Section 2, Cumberland Township, and settled there. The tract was all wild land and partly covered with heavy timber. He put up a set of log buildings and started clearing the land. For a time conditions were hard and hardships were many. The severest kind of toil was required to get things started. Mr. Anderson had the greatest faith in the future of the township and was one of the most vigorous in assisting in its progress. He pursuaded settlers to locate here, he made a home for them until they could get located, he helped them put up their houses, and encouraged them in other ways. He built roads and, in fact, did everything to help make this a prosperous, settled community of desirable surroundings. As the years passed he became one of the leading men of the community. He replaced the log structures with a good set of frame build- ings, he cleared up his land, erected fences and purchased equipment. Here he continues to successfully carry on general farming and dairying. He is a stockholder in the Star cheese factory and the Mckinley Telephone Co. He is esteemed, honored and respected, and his name is inseparably interwoven into the warp and woof of the history of Cumberland Township. Mr. Anderson was married in Norway Dec. 26, 1880, to Bergeta Elizabeth Peterson, who was born in that country Nov. 11, 1850, the daughter of Peter and Bertha (Lars- datter) Nelson, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson adopted a bright boy, Carolius, who was born in 1895. During the World War he served in Company A, 36th Infantry, 74th Division. He is now in the Medical Corps of the regular army and is stationed at Fort Logan, in Colorado.

Dominick Marino, Cumberland, was born in Italy and there married Theresa Ruchie, the daughter of a neighbor. They came to America in the late eighties and bought a small tract of land in Crystal Lake Township where they did truck farming. In 1908 they sold out and went to Portland, Oregon, where he was engaged in railroad work for five years. In 1913 they came to Cumberland and here he operated a pool hall until 1919. Then he sold out and has since lived retired. In the family there are three sons: Philip, of St. Paul; Frank, of Minneapolis, and John T., a Cumberland barber. Their faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.

John T. Marino, Cumberland barber, who fought in France with the famous First Division, A. E. F., is a native of this vicinity, born on a truck farm in Crystal Lake Township Dec. 15, 1894, and was there reared and educated. He left the farm in 1914, and after being variously employed for a year, started work for F. W. Peck, a Cumberland barber, with whom he remained until he entered the army. In June, 1919, he opened his present modern shop. It is called the White Way Shop and enjoys a good trade. Mr. Marino enlisted in Company F, 6th Infantry, Wisconsin National Guard, July 17, 1917, and trained at Camp McArthur. In October, 1917, he was trans- ferred to Company K, 128 Infantry, with which organization he landed in France March 4, 1918. There he was transferred to Company A, 26th Infantry, First Division. He saw active service with his regiment and was injured during the Soissions offensive. After recovering from his wound, he was assigned to the morale service, and with a troop of entertainers visited dif-

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ferent hospitals entertaining the wounded soldiers. He reached the United States March 25, 1919, and was discharged at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., April 8, 1919. He is a member of the Homer Anderson Post, No. 98, American Legion. Mr. Marino makes his home with his mother.

Benjamin H. Moyer, chiropractic practioner of Cumberland, was born in Dexter, Kan., March 9, 1889, the son of Edward T. and Eunice (Butters) Moyer, the former of whom died in 1911 and the latter in 1920. He received his early education in the district schools of his native place, and was just growing into sturdy young manhood when he was striken with infantile paralysis. This left him a wreck of his former vigorous youth, and he went from physician to physician to seek relief. Finally as a last resort he called in chiropractic practitioners. Under their adjustments he was in time restored to normal health and strength. The wonderful results demonstrated in his own case caused him to determine to devote his life to this branch of the healing art. Accordingly, in 1916, he went to Davenport, Iowa, and entered the Palmer School of Chiropractic, from which he was graduated with the degree of D. C. on Dec. 9, 1918. His illness and medical bills had left him without funds, so the plucky youth had worked his way through school by waiting on tables and doing other odd jobs, thus getting board and clothing. After finishing his course he made a short visit to Spooner, Wis. On March 3, 1919, he landed in Cumberland a stranger and with but few dollars in his pocket. He was, however, filled with determination, and upheld by the con- fidence of the great merits of the help which he had to offer. Accordingly, he rented rooms in the Merchants' Hotel. So immediate was his success that in June, 1919, he found it necessary to secure a suite of offices in the Jeffery Building where he has four large, well-equipped rooms. He has demonstrated to the people the dignity, importance and efficiency of the chiropractic method of treatment, consisting of adjusting the vertabra of the spine, and has proven his worth as a man and as a citizen.

Sigvald L. Larson, cashier of the Island City State Bank, Cumberland, and a prominent factor in the development of this part of the county, is a native of this state, born in Eau Claire April 6, 1889, son of Lewis and Margaret (Quale) Larson. He was brought to Cumberland as a child in 1900 and here received his early education, graduating from the Cumberland High School in 1907. Then he took a year's course in the University of Wisconsin at Madison. In 1911 he started his banking career as assistant cashier in the Luverne State Bank, Luverne, N. D. Two years later, in 1913, he was called home to be secretary and treasurer of the Cumberland Canning Co. In 1914 he entered the Island City State Bank as assistant cashier and on Jan. 1, 1921, was promoted to cashier. He is an efficient and experienced financier, and his personality has been an important factor in the upbuilding of the institution with which he is connected. He is secretary and treasurer of the Cumberland National Farm Loan Association. For one year he was secretary of the Cumberland Realty Co., and is now its treasurer. In public affairs he has served an unexpired term as a member of the city council. In fraternal circles he has likewise been a leader. For three years he was chancellor commander of Cumberland Lodge, No. 62, K. P., and at the present time he is senior warden of Cumberland Lodge, No. 223, A. F. & A. M. Mr. Larson was married Feb. 19, 1916, to Selma Johnson, who was born on Feb. 9, 1890, in Cumberland, daughter of Ole and Jennie (Carlson) Johnson, well known citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Larson have three vigorous children; Lewis, Jr., born March 14, 1917; Jeanne, born Aug. 1, 1918, and Robert G., born July 24, 1920.

Samuel Palmer, Cumberland, merchant and farmer, now retired, was born in Italy, and there married Clorinda Donatello. They came to America in the late seventies, and located in Chicago. In 1881 they came to Wisconsin and settled in Barron County where they rented a farm near Cumberland. A few years later he bought a small tract of land, and to this he added other small

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tracts as his prosperity permitted, until he owned 100 acres. He erected a good set of buildings, cleared 70 acres, and developed a good farm, just on the city limits of Cumberland. From 1900 to 1915 he engaged in the general mercantile business in Cumberland. In 1915 he retired. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer were the parents of ten children, of whom nine are now living: Josephine, Mary, Minnie, Jovena, Annie, John, Joseph, Samuel and Anthony. Frank, the youngest, was inducted into the United States service July 2, 1918, served with Company M, 343d Infantry, and was killed in action Nov. 11, 1918.

Joseph Palmer, produce dealer of Cumberland, was born in Cumberland Township, just on the outskirts of the city, Nov. 18, 1891, the son of Samuel and Clorinda (Donatello) Palmer. He was reared on the home farm and attended the neighboring schools. After leaving school he continued to help his father on the farm, and in time took over its management. In 1918 he engaged in his present business. He thoroughly understands local farming conditions and is a close student of the market, and has built up a large busi- ness. His fair dealing commends itself to all, and all those he has dealings with are his friends. He buys veal, hides, poultry, cream, eggs and other farm products and ships to the metropolitan centers. Mr. Palmer was married April 30, 1915, to Lora Christey, born in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, Aug. 28, 1896, daughter of Ira and Emma (Galmore) Christey, natives respectively of Indiana and Iowa, who now live in Cumberland. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have two chil- dren: Joseph, born Nov. 7, 1917, and Dorothy, born May 15, 1919.

Walter C. Pease, pioneer physician, was one of the leading men of Cum- berland, for many years, and his story is interwoven in the warp and woof of Barron County history. He was born in Loraine County, Ohio, June 27, 1837. son of Peter P. and Ruth H. (Crocker) Pease, and grandson of Phineas and Betsy (Lawrence) Pease, and of Walter and Hulda (Totman) Crocker. Peter P. Pease was a pioneer settler of Oberlin, Loraine County, Ohio, and was for many years until his death a member of the board of directors of Oberlin College. W. C. was the sixth of eleven children. He spent his early life in Oberlin, and there received his fundamental education. In 1850 he came to Dunnville, Wis., and started the study of medicine with his uncle, Dr. Walter Crocker, of that village. In 1861 he started practice as active resident physician there. In after life he often told with relish that his worldly pos- sessions then consisted of a rude medical case with a few drugs, a present from his uncle, $1 in cash, an extra shirt, and a collar borrowed from his uncle, in addition to the clothing which he wore. In 1866 he went to Ann Arbor and took the full course of lectures in the medical department of the University of Michigan. Then he resumed his active practice in Menomonie. In 1872 he entered the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Penn., and was graduated in March, 1873. Then once more he took up his work at Me- nomonie. From there he practiced in a wide territory, and thus early became familiar with Barron County. As early as 1862 he came into the county, and as logging camps were gradually established, he practiced in nearly all of them, making the trip in the summertime on horseback over Indian trails through dense forests and across dangerous fords, and in the winter time making the journey in a buggy over the lumber company's "tote" roads. Many stories are told of his adventures. In 1881 he located in Cumberland, then the northern terminus of the Northern Wisconsin Railroad. Here he at once be- came a leading citizen. When the city was incorporated in 1885 he sat on the council as representative from the third ward, and was on the committee which drew up the first set of city ordinances. In 1887 he served a year as mayor. For many years he served as city physician and health officer. In Masonic circles he was especially prominent and helped institute and install the lodges at Cumberland, Barron, Shell Lake and Clear Lake. He was postmaster at Cumberland from 1892 to 1896. After a long and useful life he died Dec. 6, 1900. Dr. Pease was married May 1, 1862, at Menomonie, to Margaret A. Evans, of Kenosha, Wis., and this union was blessed with seven children: May,

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 51

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge Publication date: 1922 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1767

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Publication date: 1922
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1767